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Alumni News
YVETTE COX
2011 graduate Yvette Cox has been selected by Kevin McCloud as a Green Hero with her Florence Coffee Table. With flowing legs made by freehand steam bending,
Yvette's table made its first appearance at New Designers 2011 and was immediately featured in an amazing 78 design blogs across the world within a week.
The Low Table is now on display at Artifex in Sutton Coldfield, a leading gallery representing the UK's top furniture designer makers. (Sep 2011)
TRISTAN JONES
Designer Maker Tristan Jones is Joinery Manager at Pendennis Superyachts.
Previously he had taken on a number of roles throughout the company which include Marketing Assistant, Estimator, CAD Technician and Project Manager.
Images courtesy Pendennis Superyachts.
NICK FRASER
Designer Maker Nick Fraser's Three Oak Trees table range was one item on the 'Must See Trail' of this year's London Design Festival, selected by Paul Middlemiss, Group Buying Director at the Conran Shop.
On show at 100% Design was Nick's range of quirky but practical designs part of which he makes and the rest license produced under license, many available through his newly established online shop.
His new Pipework Coat Rack Edition is on show at the Barbican until the end of 2011. This is the first of a new limited edition with a more individual colour palette and composition for those looking for something truly unique.
The Coat Racks are being exhibited at The Curve Gallery which also plays host to the Design Den, a vibrant new pop-up shop. Head on down to browse a great selection of prints, books and products including his Herb terracotta pots.
After graduating from Plymouth, Nick is now established in London, exhibiting with major events including Tent London and Hidden Art. Images courtesy Nick Fraser. (Nov 11)
HELENA (DOWSETT) CROFT
2010 MA graduate Helena has joined Sir Norman Foster's Foster & Partners as Strategic Workspace Designer. (Jun 11)
Previously at museum experts Event Communications, Helena worked on the Titanic Signature Project due to open in April 2012, the Amsterdam Maritime Museum,
and the competitive pitch for the Sheik Zayed National Museum (above).
STUART MELROSE
Designer Maker Stuart Melrose exhibited his Corian range of tables at 100% Design.
He embraces avant garde materials and production techniques, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the arena of fine furniture.
Stuart, described as 'A super sophisticate' by the London Evening Standard, graduated from our old campus at the Exeter School of Art. Sep 08
CLAIRE DANTHOIS
2007 graduate Claire Danthois' Once-A-Door Chair has been selected by Kevin McCloud as one of his Top 10 Eco Designs for Grand Designs Live 2011. (May 11)
After her work was sold at Liberty's in London, Claire worked on international commissions from her base in Bristol. The Once-A-Door chair was featured in 100% Design, and one of the Independent's Top 10 Recycled Chairs.
LAWRENCE DAWES
Product Designer Lawrence Dawes has been promoted to Design Lead, working at LEGO's design headquarters. Another 3 Plymouth graduates are also working for Lego there.
During his degree at Plymouth, he developed BiCycle, a Slow Design bike that neither wants to race nor conquer the countryside. Instead, it has a bench seat to share a leisurely cycle ride.
His full size working prototype was exhibited at New Designers where it was ridden by Boris Johnson.
MIKE CHARLTON
Winner of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen Prize with his innovative use of Bamboo, Mike is a designer maker based in Gloucestershire.
His main interests lie in designing and making clever and functional furniture that utilises the materials full potential.
Judge Philippa de Burlet, Education Officer at the Devon Guild said: "We were impressed by Mike's eye for design, his use of sustainable material, and his sense of direction." Aug 10.
Latest: Mike is currently working at Bamboo Surfaces and is planning to do postgraduate studies soon. Oct 11.
SEAN VENTRESS
Product Designer and Engineer, part of the Air Multiplier Fan and Dyson Ball design teams, returned from Malaysia to work at Dyson's design studios in Wiltshire.
MATTHEW EMMETT
Matt Emmett, subject leader for Spatial & Interiors, jointly ran the International Summer School in Germany on Advanced Digital Architectural Design (ADAD)
with Detmolder Schule fur Architektur und Innenarchitektur, Istanbul Teknik Ãœniversitesi, Politecnico di Milano and the University of Brazil.
ANDREW BEAUMONT
2010 graduate Andrew Beaumont has joined Shere London as a designer working on their range of quality fast ticketing systems.
Since his ceramics caught the eyes of several companies at New Designers and Tent, Andrew has licensed several of his designs for production.
SIMON WHITE
Simon's designs at Opus Magnum for the London Synagogue has been nominated for the Wood Awards 2012.
With clients including the Bank of England and Foster & Partners, they supply high end joinery to renowned corporations.
Simon has exhibited with [re]design at Lighten Up in 100% Design, and his Steam Bent Lounger and 'Buttoned' Lamp are available via his www.simonwhitedesign.co.uk.
STEPHANIE HILL
Furniture & Interiors graduate Stephanie Hill is working for Trombe.
Trombe is an architect led business specialising in exploiting the maximum effect from the transparent nature of glass.
GEORGINA WILSON
2010 graduate Georgina Wilson is now working at Robert Timmons Furniture designing bespoke furniture and kitchens using SolidWorks.
One of her first tasks there was to help set up their exhibition stand at 100% Design. (Aug 11)
Before this, Georgie worked for Lighting Consultancy Elektra soon after graduation as a trainee lighting designer working for the corporate and hotel sector.
One of her first projects takes her abroad in the middle east.
"I am learning all about lighting, including the maths behind it! So I am learning new skills. It's also a great place to work." Apr 11.
Devon Guild 15 Jan - 27 Feb
Selected by Tavs Jorgensen, Plymouth graduates James Otter, Michael Charlton and a group of the freshest, most exciting emerging makers
have been chosen to take part in the Guild's biennial exhibition aimed at highlighting the best that the South West region has to offer.
This is a chance to see new interventions in print, wood, textiles, glass, ceramics, jewellery and resin. Jan 11.
REBECCA BARBER
Having won the University's Social Enterprise Award Becky launched Boo Enterprise to employ people in Madagascar to produce handcrafted traditional products.
Her newly-established company scooped the runner-up prize in the Universities South West Enterprise Awards for best student business plan.
Speaking to the Plymouth Herald, Becky said: "With the prize of £2500, she hope to develop the business and seek future financial support."
"I'm in it to provide working futures for the people out there, to do things like send their kids to school, and to provide medication for their families." Nov 10.
Bjorn Christian Aarum working in Norway
Bjorn Aarum, Designer Maker graduate, has joined a wood and metal workshop in Norway to help disabled people to make simple wood products including a series of outdoor furniture
"I find it rewarding to work with disabled people, and I am working on new products for the workshop."
LUKE WHITE product designer at Zoeftig
The culmination of Luke White's design work with Zoeftig's team is realised with this recent public seating installation at Aberdeen Dental Hospital.
After graduating in Product Design, Luke was selected by Zoeftig to develop an new design under the government's KTP scheme.
Zona's aesthetic is driven by the tension found in the architecture of contemporary airports.
Developed under a tight tooling budget, it encouraged Luke to investigate various soft tooling routes such as the use of silicon rubber moulds that allow undercuts.
In spite of the 'light' aesthetics created by CNC bent rods, the product passed the most stringent European standard for strength and stability.
HANNAH SPENDER
Designer Maker, after winning 1st prize in the Fine Woodworking Competition at the New Forest Show, Hannah's first commission is to design 2 new pieces for INEOS the competition's sponsor.
Since then, Hannah worked as a maker for James Verner furniture and then as designer at Chalon, and is now a designer at Princess Yachts.
JEMMA HAM
Furniture & Interiors graduate Jemma Ham has been promoted to project leader at the leading development company LDA Design which won the international competition to refresh and rebrand Blackpool.
Jemma is also involved with the 2.5 sq km Olympic Park, Europe's most significant landscape project for a generation, including large concourses, spectator lawns, the London 2012 Gardens and the Great British Garden..
Working in the UK, India, China, Middle East and other areas of the world, LDA delivers and manages physical change, across cities, towns, villages, rural sites and protected landscapes.
Laura Cahill at the Geffrye Museum
"The mantra 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' is prompting us to change our habits and there are now a plethora of products out there to help us."
Supported by John Lewis Partnership, the Eco Home exhibition hopes to address, without preaching, widespread concerns about ecology and how this links to our homes and the way we use and inhabit them. Nov 09
Ernst Bakker launches Olive Drop
Inspired by the popular game, Ernie's design is a party piece played by removing cocktail sticks in order to get to eat your olive.
Even the ceramic base has grooves that collect olive oil for dipping your bread.
After several years gaining experience as a designer maker, Ernie completed a degree in teacher training and is now teaching Design Technology in Bath.
'Graduate Experience' is a series of talks by previous Plymouth graduates
Oliver Blackwell, Ernst Bakker and Claire Beard gave insights into their jobs within the industries of Product Design, Designer Maker and Spatial Design.
Between them, they covered running a design consultancy, being an entrepreneur, joining a team of major architects,
work experience overseas and undertaking commissions as a designer maker. Dec 08
Graduates showing at London Design Festival 08
Laura Cahill selected to exhibit at Mint
08 Designer Maker Laura Cahill is one of only two graduates selected from New Designers by Mint to exhibit in their exhibition Forget Me Not during the London Design Festival.
Laura is accompanied by another Plymouth gradaute, Sophie Waite, showing fine ceramics made using long forgotten techniques. Sep 08
Darren Donati will be showing Eureka, his ceramic table lamp in [re]design's Lighten Up at 100% Futures. Sep 08
Darren Donati will also be showing his 'Reading' Lamp at New Designer's Selection during the Festival. Sep 08
Ernst Bakker completes gallery commission
The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art spotted Ernie's Play Table at London's Kids Modern Show and commissioned special editions for their children's activity workshop. Sep 08
Plymouth graduates show off nation wide
No sooner have they graduated, Plymouth graduates are showing their work all over the UK. Watch out for
Claire Danthois' Once-A-Door Chair and Sam Murat's Rocking Sheep at [re]design's SIT UP in 100% Futures
Antonia Goulden's Rod Baskets in the Talent Zone at Tent London
Deborah Elsaesser's Felt Furniture at [re]design's CONTAINS in Dott 07
Ernie Bakker will be showing at Designersblock London as well as Tent London.
Plymouth Alumini in Business:
Robin Rothwell created this Relaxing Chair and now runs BlueSky Brighton Carpenters based in Brighton, with work covering most of East Sussex.
They specialise in high quality responsibly-sourced timber furniture from ingenious storage to beautiful bespoke furniture. Check out his blog.
OLIVER BLACKWELL DESIGN
A new company has been set up by award winning Industrial Designer, Oliver Blackwell who won the Daily Mail Concept Designer of the Year Award (a previous winner being James Dyson).
Oliver's design approach, called 'insight led design', is how he continues to innovate and develop new products and technologies, like the Powerball available soon from major DIY stores.
His WashDryIron Drumless Washing Machine is being developed along with his other designs.
. . . . 
ALEX CARPENTER
Product Designer Alex Carpenter, whose Drop Dead Rug was such a hit at the 2005 London Design Festival, is now part of NEXT's in-house design team, after a successful period working at Saxum.
SIMON MAIDMENT
Design consultant and course leader at Kingston University, Simon have worked with top design companies like Mathmos, Authentics and collected a Peugeot Design Award.
JOHN CASWELL
Working for CodSteaks whose work includes models for Wallace & Grommet, John is a designer maker selling his 'Wailers' (RSA Design Award) and 'Slim Jim" (Lighting Association Commendation).
SIMON FRENCH
Simon runs his business The Big Eyes in Totnes designing websites and site specific artworks for clients in the creative industries.
He also does illustrations and talks on cartoons and ideas development.
EMMA PASSEY
Designer maker
ALASTAIR TAYLOR
Product Designer Alastair Taylor, recently completed an MA in Product Design at Domus Academy in Milan, has designed learning toys and leading edge healthcare products.
LAURA REDFORD
Already boasting a customer list which includes John Makepeace OBE, designer Maker Laura exhibited at the London Design Festival and was shorlisted in the designboom Ceramics for Breakfast competition.
BARANBY BARFORD
Designer Maker, Barnaby crosses the boundaries between art, craft and design, with international shows and pieces in production with Thorsten van elten, and is featured in DesignBoom.
CLAIRE MATTHEWS
SAM MURAT
Designer Maker 2007, now set up in Exeter, Sam's work has been shown at 100% Design and selected for the British Council's Climate Cool touring exhibition in China.
CRESTA GLASS
Graduated in 2004 and based in Exeter, Cresta is continuing to establish herself. Her work consists of fine vessels in porcelain and bone china, contemporary ceramic lighting and jewellery.
NICK MELVILLE
Nick, creator of 'Paddy' chair and Z Rocking Stool, is a Freelance Designer Maker, tutor and researcher at Innovate, our digital design centre.
LUCY TURNER
This early 'Manhole' Rubber Shower Mat, sold by SUCK UK kick started 2004 graduate Lucy Turner's career. Her recycled furniture is regularly featured in magazines, and she has a shop in Cornwall.
RICHARD GALE
A talented designer and music producer, Richard's monitor quality speakers are now in production with several major commissions.
ERNIE BAKKER
Ernie's work is fun. He was selected to exhibit at the Talent Zone in 100% Design East, and is going on placement with Richard Hutten, previously of Droog Design.
DEBORAH ELSAESSER
Based in Wales, Debs exhibited at New Designers One Year On and Tent. She designs and makes each piece using natural and recycled materials, with a style that is simple and contemporary.
ANDREW HADJUK
2009 graduate, Andrew worked as a freelance product design, and is currently working in brand development at Paydata.
JOSS COOK
2009 graduate, Joss worked for Tidal Studios, and is now working in brand development at The ID Group in Bournemouth.
JOEL MORGAN
2009 graduate, Joel furthered his studies at Wolverhampton, and is now working for CMA Moldform, Producing high quality moulds and models from highly priced commissioned art works.
TOM ARNOLD
2006 graduate's lighting, accessories and furniture, including the playful Black Hole Side Table.
MARK MORGAN
1999 graduate, Mark is a senior designer at Rodd Industrial Design, working with clients including Suncorp, LG, Huawei and BT.
Mark won an RSA student's award, started his career with Kenwood, completed MA Design Product at the RCA, and worked for Seymourpowell, with major clients such as Tefal, Unilever, Ideal Standard, and Lufthansa.
He won Red Dot Design Awards in 2004 & 2007, and an IF award in 2006.
ALEX LANGSTON
Alex graduated in 2006 and is already busy showing his designs all over London including 100% Design East.
LORRAINE DITCHBURN
Designer Maker 1998, making ceramics based on simple, organic forms combining their simplicity of shape with the fineness and purity of porcelain.
ROBERT PHILLIPS
Joint founder of Design Consultancy BATCH, studied MA Designing Products at the Royal College of Art and is now lecturer at Ravensborne.
ADAM TEMPLE
Adam, who designed the Saint Paul's Cube light, is a freelance contemporary lighting designer.
JAMES TOOZE
Part of 'Batch', James utilises objects from a variety of sources to make original works of art that are also useful home objects such as the 'Reading Light'.
SAXUM DESIGN
Leading UK design company who have employed several Plymouth graduates.
PETER WOOLIN
Part of 'Batch', Peter transforms reclaimed, antique and modern furniture into works of art.
GEORGE SANGEORZAN
07 Product Design Graduate George Sangeorzan have joined Hillside Product Design who offers a complete design service to production, including high end CAD.
OLIVER BLACKWELL
2005 graduate from Product Design, now developing his award winning WASHDRYIRON Drumless Washing Machine.
HELEN TERRY
Full time Resident Administrator at the Art Centre Slovenia on placement with the European Volunteer Service.
JEREMY BESWICK
Designer Maker 2002 now set up in Exeter.
BEN PICKLES
Designer Maker 2001 is now a London-based web designer / developer.
KERRY RUSSELL
Designer Maker, making ceramics in small batches and by commission.
DARTINGTON POTTERY
Internationally famous design studio where graduate Claire Deakon is now a designer.
STEVE BROWN
Steve runs his own design studio and teaches at the RCA specialising in developing techniques to integrate print and form.
JANT DESIGN
Janet Taylor, part of the prestigious One Year On, became Designer in Residence at Somerset College of Art & Design and exhibited at Somerset Arts Week.
DANIEL A MEYER
Freelance Design Consultant with a studio in Brighton, also studying MA in Industrial Design at Central St Martins.
DAVE BELBEN
Designer at Specialised Fabrications, designers of staircases and fabrications using CAD, with an impressive clients list and projects including the 2010 Olympics training pool.
And the list is growing.
If you are a Plymouth graduate, we would love to hear from you.
Other past graduates include:
Designer Makers
Ernst Bakker
Simon Maidment
Steve Brown
Simon French
Lorraine Ditchburn
Gerard Anzani
Clare Ashton
Sarah Cole
Suzzanne Day
Nick Fraser
Darius Hague
Else Horn
Claire Horne
Ann Jankowska
Suzzanne Lewis
Charlotte Linacre
Sylvia Llecha
Colin Lovekin
Vicky Miller
Suzzanne MR
Amy Paisley
Alistair Park
Stacey Parker
Nat Parrett
Ros Rusling
Hanna Scholfield
David South
Steve Taylor
Helen Terry
James Wheeler
Jay Wickenden
Thomas Arnold
Emma Brown
Nick Cooper
Elizabeth Flitter
Helen Holden
Tristan Jones
Louisa Lupi
Emma Passey
Annette Pearson
Ria Poynton
Sean Thomas
Vanessa Vale
Debs Elsaesser
Antonia Goulden
Matt Hyne
Gresham Kidby
Daniel Lashley
Katie Lovell
Kate McCulloch
Sandra Messam
Sarah Rogers
Carley Sadler
Dan Siddall
Shane Tubby
Victoria Ashby
James Barley
Jen Barrett
Jay Bright
Laura Cahill
Tom Dean
Darren Donati
Phil Gallant
Michael Lindsay
Ulrika Munoz-Alarcon
Chris Pepler
Joe Seal
Jo Thonger
Sophie Waite
Simon White
Sarah Al-tum
Michael Elkerton
Jimmy Holland
Bjorn Aarum
Robbie Andrew
Olly Bramston
Naomi Cleveland
Angel Davies
Jenna Goddard
Simon Hutchinson
Jo Lane
Claire Lovett
Sean Moffat
Jodi Moss
Rhian Newton-Williams
James Otter
Blaise Shinga
Rachel Shooter
Nick Slack
Chris Ulyatt
Dominic Abbott
Joshua Martin
Kate Sibley
Alistair Pethick
Andrew Beaumont
Anika Higgins
Carla Wilson
Catherine Stewart
Eugene Osborne
Felicity Parrish
Jordan Traynor
Kara Hill
Katy Goldswain
Kelvin Buchanan
Lauren Jeffery
Lee Rowley
Lewis Matthews
Lorna Wilby
Michael Charlton
Michael Lonsdale
Nicholas Hodges
Philip Shaw
Rhiannon Piper
Sarah Titcomb
Daniel Espinosa
Daniel Murley
Emma Penhallurick
Gabrielle Tymkow
Genevieve Odoni
Janette Jackson
Jay Carter
Joanna Pearce
Lauren L Carroll
Matthew Bodily
Megan Joseph
Michael Carroll
Rebecca England
Rhiannon Davies
Sheron King
Toby Knight
Yvette Cox
Product Designers
Robert Phillips
Sean Ventress
Alex Carpenter
Nick Melville
Mark Morgan
Oliver O'Shea
Dave Lucas
Rieko
Esteban
Dave Belben
Andra Huidan
Adam Male
Doriana Moldovan
Michael Salge
George Sangeorzan
Joe Stoneman
Luke White
Alex Worswick
Mirela Apopei
Gina Blegu
Bryan Endacott
Michial Lee
Emma Lezala
Ariana Mihoc
Joe Salmine
Joss Cook
Drew Hadjuk
Alex Hort
John Makepeace
Simon Mathews
Martin Waite
Andrew Coghill
Ben Williamson
Charlotte Angove
Chris Jupe
David Lewer
Delia Mociran
Gareth Lewin
Kayleigh-Marie Kirby
James Eisner
Jamie Lawrence
Martin Newland
Rebecca Barber
Bob Williams
Oana Oniga
Cameron McNicol
Charlotte Jeffery
Christian Pichler
Emma Caddick
Guy Steed
Jamie Neasham
Joseph Coleman
Josie Baker
Kathryn Lamonby
Katie Hobson
Kristian Williams
Llinos James
Morgan Copelin
Oliver Blanchard Philip Brown
Simon Levi
Simon Parkin
Furniture & Interiors (Spatial) Designers
Caroline Brown
Stephanie Hill
Mark Lea
Ross Lelliot
Vickesh Mistry
Kate Priest
Charlotte Wareham
Jenny Wheldon
Naomi Soar
Cosmin
Alexandra Constantinescu
Claire Beard
Lauren Brown
Jemma Ham
Tom Houghton
Anthony Miller
Emily Phippard
Steven Pinder
Laura Rowland
Tracey Sharpe
Helena Dowsett
Laura Guerin
Victoria Hanington
Sabrina Hardie
Jess Lewis
Catherine Luker
Samantha Roose
Gordon Wax
Anna Wolff
Olu Balogun
Fiona Bennett
Gloria Deane
Nadia Delfan €“Azari
Geoff Hall
Adonis Izadpanah
Rachel McHugh
Adam Simmond
Andrew Gordon
Anna Suvorova
Fleur Pacey
Hannah Thomas
Laura Savage
Lee Valentine
Malgorzata Giedz
Neil Allington
Nikki Davies
Petronella Malala
Qiaoling Liu
Qun Wang
Richard Bracken
Roxan Burley
Ruth Phillips
Sophia Simpkin
Sophie Edwards
Tamasin Brown
Victoria Bradshaw
Abdulla Dabrom
Adrian Long
Alasdair Chapman
Amy Aiston
Amy-Jane McCaughey
Bethany Miller
Catherine Down
Francesca Small
James O'Connor
Jasmin McCartney
Jessica Morgan
Josie Robbins
Laura Keating
Luke Townley
Malisa Vaseghi
Maren Von Wachenfeldt
Megan Baldwin
Natacha Favreau
Nikolaos Triantafyllidis
Phillipa Wood
Rachel Moore
Rebecca Cook
Samuel Stanton
Serif Demirkol
Shona Burnie
Thomas Hardie
Thomas Shepherd
Zoe Nash
NEWS! . Sustainability . Graduates . Teaching staff . BA Degrees . MA Degrees . Degree Show . Research . Links . Contact . How to apply . Design Shop . Open Days
Contact Roberto Fraquelli, School of Architecture & Design, Faculty of Arts, University of Plymouth, Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1752 585 170
Email: R.Fraquelli@plymouth.ac.uk
www.3Ddesign.org.uk
Updated 2 Jan 2012
Copyright Roy Tam University of Plymouth 2005-12